Proposed MOS and CAO changes for Class D CTA around Bankstown (CD 2611OS)

Overview

Airspace in the Sydney Basin is changing on 9 July 2026 to support Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA), scheduled to open later this year.

The key changes relevant to this consultation are:

• the introduction of new Class D controlled areas (CTA) around Bankstown aerodrome (YSBK)
• a revised Bankstown Class D control zone (CTR), and
• revised VFR routes for access to and from YSBK located within the new Class D CTA.

We invite you to review the clarity of proposed amendments to multiple operational rules which formalise previously communicated new VFR aircraft transponder requirements as per the VTC, ERSA and AIP effective 9 July. We are also seeking feedback on improvements to Part 91 guidance material. Your feedback will help ensure the rules are clear and will work as intended.

Requirements for the new Class D CTA airspace

Ensuring aviation safety in the new Class D CTA and on the new VFR routes requires VFR aircraft to have and use a transponder during flight in the new Class D CTA, thereby enabling identification of all relevant aircraft by air traffic control.

Corresponding amendments

To implement these new VFR aircraft transponder requirements, we have drafted changes to the Part 91, 131, 133 and 135 Manuals of Standards (MOS) and Civil Aviation Orders (CAO) 95.4, 95.10, 95.12, 95.12.1, 95.32 and 95.55. We have also drafted improvements to Part 91 Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (AMC/GM) regarding flight notification procedures.

Previous consultations

CASA and Airservices Australia have extensively engaged with Sydney Basin local aviation operators and stakeholders during the development of airspace change proposals associated with the opening of Western Sydney International Airport.

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help us make sure the final legislation is clear and will work as intended.

How to submit feedback

Please submit your comments on the proposed amendments through the consultation hub using the survey link provided on this page.

If you are unable to provide feedback via the survey link, please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au.

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines any intended changes and next steps.

All comments received on the proposed legislation will be considered. Relevant feedback that improves on the proposed wording will be incorporated into the final instruments.

Post-implementation review

CASA will monitor and review the new rules on an ongoing basis. We will also continue work with industry on any further changes to better support Bankstown aerodrome and airspace operations.

Related documents

All documents relevant to this consultation are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Summary of proposed change on CD 2611OS, which provides background on the proposed standards
• Consultation Draft - Parts 91, 131, 133 and 135 Manuals of Standards Amendment Instrument 2026
• Consultation Draft - Civil Aviation Orders 95.4, 95.10, 95.12, 95.12.1, 95.32 and 95.55 Amendment Instrument 2026
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.